Discovery BoxEsther 2:8 
Context2:8 It so happened that when the king’s edict and his law became known 1 many young women were taken to Susa the citadel to be placed under the authority of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the royal palace 2 to be under the authority of Hegai, who was overseeing the women.
Esther 2:17
Context2:17 And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she met with his loving approval 3 more than all the other young women. 4 So he placed the royal high turban on her head and appointed her queen 5 in place of Vashti.
1 tn Heb “were heard” (so NASB); NRSV “were (had been NIV) proclaimed.”
2 tn Heb “the house of the king.” So also in vv. 9, 13. Cf. NLT “the king’s harem.”
3 tn Heb “grace and loyal love.” The expression is probably a hendiadys.
4 tc The LXX does not include the words “more than all the other young women.”
5 tn Heb “caused her to rule.”
